NPFL: Enugu Rangers Beat Bendel Insurance 2-1 To Maintain Slim Lead

Rangers International FC of Enugu on Sunday defeated Bendel Insurance FC of Benin 2-1 in a Matchday 37 fixture of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) to keep their slim lead at the top of the table.

The match, played behind closed doors at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, saw Rangers dominate proceedings from the opening whistle.

Bendel Insurance absorbed sustained pressure from the hosts until the 18th minute when veteran striker Godwin Obaje scored from a well-taken free kick outside the 18-yard box.

Rangers continued to dominate possession but failed to extend their lead due to poor finishing.

The visitors, however, stunned the home side in the 42nd minute when A. Oweilaiyefa scored directly from a free kick, to level scores at 1-1.

The goal revived Bendel Insurance, while Rangers intensified efforts to regain the lead before halftime but could not convert their chances.

On resumption of the second half, Rangers increased the tempo and were rewarded when captain Chidiebere Nwobodo was fouled inside the penalty area.

Obaje converted the spot kick to complete his brace and take his tally for the season to 14 league goals.

Speaking after the match, Rangers Head Coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, described the encounter as one of his side’s poorest performances this season.

“I thank God we won, but it is one of our worst games of the season.

“It is one of those things that happen in football,” he said.

On Rangers’ final league game against Ikorodu City in Lagos, Ilechukwu said it would be a difficult encounter.

“It is going to be a difficult game, but we will see how it plays out,” he said.

The victory kept Rangers at the top of the NPFL table with 64 points ahead of the final game of the season. (NAN)